FREE EDUCATION.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 123, 20 November 1931, Page 13

FREE EDUCATION.

The report expresses gratitude to the teachers, and attributes the success of the Catholic education system to their efforts and sacrifices. "In abolishing school fees," it states, "the- board realised - that it was, even in normal limes, undertaking a hoavy strain, but it considered, tliaftho revenue earned each year would just cover the expenditure necessary. It did not hopo to supplement the capital account unless, of course, a substautialbequest or donation was received. ■•:•■ . "Like many other institutions, the board did not anticipate that the depression would be so .serious or prolonged. The effects-may prove oven more serious to the board, as not only is-the revenue from- collections and functions likely to show a- falling off, but the capital fund which is bearing interest from, freehold securities may also be affected by the lowering of interest rates. On the other hand, trie expenditure cannot be curtailed. "We must face these difficulties bravely, and tho board feels confident that the Catholics of Wellington will loyally support the board in continuing to providp free primary education for our children. As stressed in previous reports, we must not encroach on. the capital fund to make up the deficiencies in the annual maintenance account. The capital fund must remain intact to ensure a permanent revenue." During the year, the following bequests were received: Estate of the late Mr. P. Walsh, £100; estate of the late Mrs. Margaret O'Connor, £100; estate of the late Mr. John Forbes (Wellington), £20. A gift of 476 acres of laud at Tokomaru was received from Mr. George Lambert, .T.P., a consistent benefactor of the board for many years. ■ In the absence of the chairman (his Grace Archbishop O'Shea), Mr. J. J. L. Burke, vice-chairman, presided at the meeting. There were also present: Rev. Father Mahony, S.M., Eev. 2)r. M'Kae, and Messrs. W. 11. Giles, .T. Stratford, J. Pagan, L. Carroll, P. Cleary, N. J. Crombie, 3. G. Koache, and P. D. Hoskins (hon. se-cretary)-The report and statement of accounts were adopted. Accounts totalling £1007 were passed for payment. ■ The resignation of Mr. B. Doherty, as treasurer and a trustee of the board, was received with regret. A resolution of appreciation of his work over nineteen years was carried, and members expressed the hope that he would be restored to health. The: election of officers resulted:-— Patron, his Grace .Archbishop Bedwood; chairman, his Grace Archbishop O'Shea; vice-chairman, Mr. J. J. L. Burke; hon. secretary, Mr. P. D. Hoskins; assistant hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. G. Eoache; lion, auditors, Messrs. \V. H. Giles and J. Stratford; trustees, Key. Father Mahony, S.M.; Messrs. J. J. L. Burke and J. G. Eoache.